Home
 »  Education_Center
 »  Conditions
 »  Infectious_Arthritis
 »  Infectious Arthritis
EDUCATION CENTER: Clinical Overview

Clinical Overview Symptoms Take Action Diagnosis and Treatment

Infectious Arthritis

Clinical Overview

Infectious arthritis, otherwise known as septic arthritis, is caused by bacteria invading a joint. Bacteria may invade the joint through a wound or infection in other parts of the body. The bacteria then grows in the joint, causing pus, pain, redness, and swelling. If it is not treated quickly, it can permanently damage the cartilage in the joint.

Causes

  • Bacterial infection
  • Skin boils
  • Cellulitis
  • Bone infection
  • Puncture wounds
  • Skin abrasions
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Tuberculosis
  • Infection elsewhere in the body (such as urinary tract infection)

Risk Factors
  • Diabetes Mellulitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Liver disease
  • Immunosuppressive drugs
  • Joint surgery
  • Injections into joints
  • Poor health
  • Illness that weakens the immune system (such as HIV)
  • Sexually transmitted infections

Last updated: Jan-01-09

Next ... Symptoms



Forgot information?

From the BLOGS
Knee Pain Loves Women
Comment By RunnersHigh
more more blogs RSS

Meet in the FORUMS
Cant sit with my knee bent
By psilentchild

Posted: Mar 10, 2010
I had a bucket handle tear on my right knee inner medial meniscus and had surgery back on Dec 1st.Well my knee hurts worst than it did before the surgery.I can barely walk up stairs.I cant sit down wi

more more Forums Create a Topic

Knee Injuries Health Short
Knee Injuries
Listen to a discussion of knee injuries, highlighting the anatomy of the knee and what can go wrong. The video focuses on sports injuries, but also shows treatments that ...
more more Featured Videos

Dr. Cynthia LaBella
 

Dr. Cynthia LaBella:
Preventing Knee Injuries in Young Athletes

more more Heroes
Nominate a Hero Hero Policy
Home | About Us | Press | Make a Suggestion | Content Syndication | Terms of Service
Privacy Policy | Advertising Policy | Editorial Policy
Last updated: Dec 11, 2009  ©1999- 2010 Body1, Inc. All rights reserved.